How To Remove Moss From Your Roof

While you might think a layer of green moss adds some charm to your home’s roof, it can really shorten the lifespan. Left untreated, the clumpy greenery can cause virtually any roofing material to degrade – most commonly wood and asphalt, but also metal, clay and concrete. That’s why it’s important to remove moss as soon as you are able.

Moss starts as a thin green layer on and between shingles, but then it proceeds to lift those shingles up as it grows, allowing water to seep underneath which leads to leaks and wood rot.

To remove moss perform the below tasks on a seasonal or as-needed basis to keep your roof weathertight and great-looking, or just contact us to setup a maintenance plan.

Steps To Remove Moss

Prep Work

Gather a ladder, slip-resistant shoes, old clothes, rubber gloves, and eye protection. You may also want to secure yourself with a rope and have a spotter for safety.

Remove Moss By Water

Hose off the affected area with plain water, taking care to spray downward rather than up the roof. Use a long-handled soft-bristle scrub brush to remove the moss, scrubbing downward. Work in one small section at a time to avoid ripping, cracking, or breaking the shingles.

Spraying or scrubbing upward can lift shingles and allow water in. Also, don’t use a pressure washer on your roof, as it can damage the shingles.

Remove Moss By Commercial Cleaning Solution

If plain water hasn’t removed your moss issue, you may want to try a homemade cleaning solution (below) or commercial cleaning solution.

Wait for a cloudy day before going out, as you don’t want your cleaning solution to evaporate. Simply follow the above instructions, and before scrubbing let the solution sit for 20-45 minutes. Then scrub it and rinse with water.

Both commercial and homemade cleaners can damage sensitive plants and discolor siding, decks, or pathways, so you may want to spread plastic sheeting below your work area before you get started.

Remove Moss By Homemade Cleaning Solution

You can also make a homemade moss remover solution with any one of these recipes:

8 ounces Dawn Ultra dish soap + 2 gallons of water

1½ to 3½ cups white distilled vinegar + 2 gallons of water

Wait for a cloudy day before going out, as you don’t want your cleaning solution to evaporate. Simply follow the above instructions, and before scrubbing let the solution sit for 20-45 minutes. Then scrub it and rinse with water.